Socceroo Brett Emerton is coming to terms with missing out on Australia's next big World Cup hurdle against Italy after being sent off against Croatia this morning (AEST) in Stuttgart.

The Blackburn Rovers utility was on a yellow card going into the Croatian match but received two more yellows for an automatic red card six minutes from the end of Australia's 2-2 draw with Croatia to go through to the last 16.

Emerton, who has been linked with Everton after his eye-catching performances at the World Cup in defensive and midfield roles, was shattered to miss out on playing against the three-times world champions Italy in Kaiserslautern on Tuesday morning (AEST).

"They're going to have to do it without me, but I'm sure we've got a lot of ability on our side and I am sure they can do it," he said.

"I think it's more nerve-wracking just sitting and watching than playing so I'm not looking forward to that."

Emerton, who has impressed Socceroos coach Guus Hiddink with his versatility and mobility across the park, bemoaned the soft nature of his two yellow cards which led to his one-match ban.

"Each card I have received has been very soft and that's the most disappointing thing," he said.

"If I went in to make a bad tackle you could accept it, but for silly little things like that I find it hard to accept.

"Referee Poll wouldn't discuss it with me after the match. I asked for a word, but he wouldn't speak to me."

Hiddink said of his loss for the next game: "It's a big pity that Emerton is out of this game because you see him go all over the pitch... he's out and he will be a big loss, but we will react against one of the top teams in the world."